Cutter for broom-corn, maize, and the like



JLE. PELNAR.

CUTTER FOR BROOM CORN; MAIZEJNDTHE LIKE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 8,1919.

1,339,282. Patented May 4,1920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET J.

IN VEN TOR. BYefoizjn l'ZPe Zn ar {A TTORNEY.

WITNESS:

J. E. PELNAR.

CUTTER FOR BROOM CORN; MAIZE,AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 8,1919.

Patented M34, 1920.

2 S HEETSSHEET 2.

' INVENTOR.

tfoiznlifjebzar WITNESS:

A TTORNE Y.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

iTOHN E. PEI-NAB, OF DEERFIELD, KANSAS.

CUTTER FOR BROOM-CORN, MAIZE, AND THE LIKEJ 4 To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JorrN E. PELNAR, a citizen of the United States, residing at Deerfield, in the county ofKearney and State of Kansas, have invented new and. useful Improvements in Cutters for Broom- Corn, Maize, and the like, of which the following is a specification. I

This invention relates to harvesting devices, particularly to cutters forbroom corn, maize, sorghums, and the like, and has for its object the provision of a device adapted for engagement upon the hand of .an operator with cutting mechanism disposed with in the palm whereby the operator may upon closing his hand about a stalk of broom "corn, maize, or the like, sever the stalk.

An important object is the provision of a device of this character with which is associated a strap adapted for encircling engagement about the hand of the operator, the device having pivoted thereon a blade having a ring engaging about two fingers of the operator whereby the blade may be moved to have cutting action merely by opening and closing the hand.

An additional object is the provision of a device of this character which will be very simple and inexpensive in manufacture, which is easy to use, which will be efficient in action, durable in service, and a general improvement in the art.

With the above and other. objects and advantages in view, the invention consists in the details of construction to be hereinafter more fullydescribed and claimed, and illustrated .in the accompanying drawing, in which Figure '1 is a perspective view of the device upon the hand of an operator,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the device removed from the hand of the operator and showing the holding strap disconnected,

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the device showing the finger engaging loops on the stationary member, ll

Fig. 4 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing the bladein elevationand in closed position, and v Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, my device is shown as comprising a plate 10 which is formed slightly concavoconvex in longitudinal and transverse secon the line Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 8, 1919.

made.

Patented May 4, 1920.

Serial No. 309,263.

tion for conforming engagement within the palm of thehand of an operator. At its opposite sides the plate 10 is provided with openings .11 within'whioh are engaged the ends of the holding straps 12 which are adapted to be engaged about the operators hand and one of which is provided with a buckle 13 whereby adjustment may be At its center and arranged longitudinally with respect to the hand, the platelt) has formed therein a curved recess 14 and the edge of the plate has formed thereon at the sides of the recess 14 at the end thereof toward the fingers of the hand, knucklesor ears 15. l

Pivoted between the ears 15 is a blade 16 which has its cutting edge 17 curved to conformingly engage within the recess 14 and which has its end formed blunt, as shown at 18, for engagement against the plate 10 beyond the other end of the recess 14,-that is the end toward the base of the hand or palm. Formed integrally upon the blade 16 is a ring 19 through which are adapted to be passed, two fingers of the operator, preferably the second and third, whereby the blade may be moved merely by moving the fingers. 1

In order that the plate 10 may not be displayed during actuation of the device so that it will not slip against the ball of the thumb, Iprovide at two corners of the plate 10 substantially semicircular loops 20 which pass partially around the second finger between it'and thefirst fingers and partially around the third finger between it and the little finger.

The device being disposed upon the hand of an operator, as shown in Fig. 1, with the straps 12 secured in place, the loops 20 engaged about the second and third fingers and the second and third fingers extending throughthe ring 19, the operator places his hand about the stalk of broom corn, maize, or other plant to be out and merely closes his hand whereupon the blade 16 will be moved into engagementwith the plate '10, the cutting edge 17 passing through the stalk and entering the recess 14 whereby to insure a clean cut. The severed stalk then remains in the hand of the operator so that it may be conveniently deposited within any desired receptacle.

From the foregoing description and a study of the drawings, it will be apparent that I have thus provided a very simple and inexpensive device which may be quickly and easily engaged upon the hand of an operator and Which is adapted for use in cutting various plants, merely by the action of closing the hand.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is of course to be understood that I reserve the right to make such changes in the form, construction, and arrangement of parts as Will not depart from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claim.

Having thus described my invention, I claim A device of the character described comprising a plate concavo-conveX in longitudinal and transverse section for conforming engagement Within the palm of the hand of an operator, said plate having slots formed at its sides, straps connected Within fingers for preventing the displacement of said plate, said plate being provided With a longitudinal recess, the bottom of said recess being curved, ears on said edge of said plate at the sides of said recess, a blade pivoted between said ears and having av curved cutting edge adapted for conforming engagement Within said recess, and a rigid finger engaging ring formed on said plate and adapted to encircle two lingers of the operator whereby the blade may be moved ing the hand.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

JOHN E. PELNAR.

'to or from the plate by opening and clos- 

